Leeds United walked away from a lacklustre performance against Stoke City with a defeat that could have been so much different had their penalty been converted instead of missed by Patrick Bamford.
Leeds were relegated in May after failing to win their final nine games of the season in difficult circumstances, with chances going begging along the way.
Missed penalties linger in the mind, particularly in the 2-2 draw at home to Newcastle United, in which Patrick Bamford’s feeble effort cost Leeds two points.
Leeds did not play nearly enough to deserve more than a point from their match against Stoke City yesterday night, with neither team exhibiting brilliance in possession.
However, Georginio Rutter’s excellent work on the ball created an opportunity for him to play through Bamford, who was hauled down for a clear penalty.
The number nine picked himself up and immediately claimed the ball, while Crysencio Summerville was arguing to captain Pascal Struijk about taking the penalty, having never missed for the under-21s at Leeds, as well as converting in the EFL Cup shootout against Salford City:
There will undoubtedly be a sombre atmosphere in the dressing room today at Thorp Arch, and captain on the night Struijk must be the first to make it plain what should happen next, with some assistance from Liam Cooper and Luke Ayling.
Fans have understood for a long time that Bamford should not be taking our penalties, and with Summerville ready and waiting for the opportunity, they must both make it very plain to Farke that the winger is the one to turn to going ahead.
If Joel Piroe is on the pitch, the option is simple; if not, his countryman should step up, and Bamford’s sole involvement should be hope his teammate rolls the ball in.
As much as Bamford is to blame for taking penalties when he isn’t good at them, there have to be leaders in this squad who tell him when every fan watching could see what was about to happen.
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